body piercings

I received a message from a woman whose nipples I pierced and she had questions about changing the jewelry:

Hello Elayne! I got my nipples pierced by you last year when you were at Obscurities, Dallas. I just want to let you know that this is my favorite piercing yet! They healed so beautifully! So after a year I was wondering if getting my jewelry changed to rings instead of barbells would be possible. If I did do the jewelry change (meaning I got to a piercer to get them changed, I'm kinda chicken in that situation) would my nipples once again become tender as they get used to the new jewelry? I still clean them daily. Your input would mean a lot to me! Thank you again for everything you have done! S.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79028936

I got my first (and so far only) one-star review. I read it over, and I have to say, it seems that the individual may not have actually read my book. The first statement in the review is:

"I'm little confused as to why this book exists."

That's pretty clearly addressed on page 2:
The Piercing Bible is primarily directed toward piercees, but it also contains a wealth
of information for the parents of children who want to get pierced or are already
pierced, teachers who work with pierced students, health-care professionals who deal
with pierced patients (whether treating problem piercings or performing unrelated
medical procedures), and piercers who want an authoritative reference work or an
educational tool for clients.

Why This Book?
Piercing can be dangerous, and it is far more complicated than most people realize.
The hazards range from tearing, scarring, migration, and rejection to localized bacte-
rial infections and, though rare, serious infections. Consumers need facts about the
risks, choices, and best practices involved. People who interact with piercees also need
to be informed about various aspects of piercing. Many myths have persisted, even in
academic and medical literature; they are finally dispelled here, too.

Below are three different positive reviews of The Piercing Bible from readers in the medical community:

 

Doctors and nurses educate yourself! The Piercing Bible, Definitive Guide is excellent source. As a RN, I have worked in our emergency department and I prepare patients for surgery. I educate my patients and colleagues regarding body piercing. I have found Elayne Angel to be my educator. Her extensive knowledge and professionalism have given me the tools to better teach others. I quote from her book, and try to help remove the stigma associated with people who choose to adorn their bodies. I HIGHLY recommend this book to ALL, but also encourage my fellow healthcare professionals to be informed!

 

I just received this wonderful feedback from a reader on my Facebook page:

The entry I wrote about safer sex got picked up as a Valentine's Day post by another blog, The Pierced Consumer. Cloud, the woman who writes the blog is not a piercer--she is a piercee.  She is very knowledgeable about many aspects of piercings, and provides a different perspective than mine, which (naturally) is from a piercer's point of view. You can read about her and why she started the blog, here. If you are a pierced consumer and looking for additional information, I suggest you pay her blog a visit regularly. She is very responsive to answering your questions.